Unlike jolly old Saint Nick, Krampus is a figure in German folklore who emerges on the eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Krampus punishes the children who misbehaved.

Krampus didn’t begin following St. Nicholas around until the 16th century, when parents of the era realized typical methods of coercing children into being good weren’t working.

(WHTM) Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) takes place every December 5. This is the day before the Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, and the patron saint of children and gift-giving.

The problem, as Mr. Hahne sees it, is that American-style Santas are crowding out Saint Nicholas, the traditional Christmas icon of this hilly Germany village named after the 4th-century bishop.

Krampus sometimes even kidnaps misbehaving children to drown, eat, or transport to Hell. Rooted in pre-Germanic paganism, Krampus did not become associated with St. Nicholas until the 17th century.

Krampus is this creature's name! Michael Dougherty (Trick R' Treat) presents the official prequel graphic novel - KRAMPUS: Shadow of Saint Nicholas - based on his festive horror comedy.

How to avoid Krampus this Saint Nicholas DayPosted: Dec 6, 2021 / 03:15 PM CST Updated: Dec 6, 2021 / 02:59 PM CST ...

NBC's Andy Eckardt reports. A man dressed as St. Nicholas waits for an underground train in Berlin on Dec. 6, the day that marks the saint's feast day and the start of the Christmas season in Germany.

Parishioners crossed themselves as the celebratory procession wound around pews, with the smell of incense filling Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE last Sunday.

In ancient German and Dutch folklore, Saint Nicholas, also known as Sinterklaas, would leave gifts in shoes and socks left out for him by children. St. Nicholas' Day is celebrated on December 6.

Krampus didn’t begin following St. Nicholas around until the 16th century, when parents of the era realized typical methods of coercing children into being good weren’t working.